Perspective

The congregational chorister was swinging her arm back and forth so enthusiastically she nearly knocked the hymnbook out of her left hand. As a visitor, I struggled not to draw attention to myself by laughing at the dear young woman scrambling to get the hymnbook settled back down again. My daughter leaned over and whispered, "She's handicapped. Isn't she darling?"

https://www.instagram.com/p/uoFsA_KgN3/?taken-by=bharding15

Suddenly, my perspective changed and I saw her in a whole different light. Same young woman, same enthusiastic swinging arm, and yet I could really SEE her. My focus had changed. I had admired her exuberance until she accidentally lost control of the hymnbook and I thought to myself that she should lead more carefully. I humbly realized that she WAS leading the music most carefully and as well as she possibly could.

As so often happens, the Lord allowed me to learn the principle of perspective again, quite soon. I was helping a friend take her elderly parents to a government office appointment early one morning. When we opened the door to their shared apartment in a local assisted living center they were both asleep. Oh boy, this was going to be a little more complicated than we thought. As I quickly glanced at the framed family photos on the bookcase in their room, I had a rapid overview of their lives and the things they cherished. How far they had come! From being leaders in their home, church and community to at last, everything fitting in a single bookcase.

My friend introduced me to them but because of dementia they had forgotten in seconds who I was as I tried to help them without infringing on their privacy. They cheerfully got dressed to go without argument and I was touched at their innocent acceptance of a stranger's help. The kitchen staff got them a quick breakfast ready asking, "Do they want the usual?" and we were off. After getting all arranged and buckled in, her mother softly said a prayer before taking a bite. My friend and I exchanged a knowing glance over the seats and said nothing out loud, but so much with our eyes. This was the heritage she came from and we both knew the meaning of her simple but heartfelt prayer. So many things forgotten but not this...

Fortunately, we were able to park right in front of the huge municipal building and I was so glad I was there to help get two elderly parents, one with a cane and one in a wheelchair, through the tight security with the least amount of confusion. We waited our turn with reassurances repeated to them every so often. Her father was quiet, napping off and on, keeping his newspaper carefully folded on his lap; but her mother would ask about the "doctor" we were seeing and make comments like, "I haven't been to this office before."  My friend repeatedly told them in as simple terms as she could what we were doing that morning. Finally, their number was called and through much maneuvering we were able to finally seat them where they could see and be seen at the help window. My friend began to explain what she needed and some lengthy discussion followed. Her parents were being exceptionally patient and compliant but eventually her mother, getting a little annoyed at how long it was taking, asked loudly, "Does he know everything about us there is to know now?"

Family photo

Her father, with head bowed, so quiet through the whole event, slowly reached out his hand to her, which she then tenderly clasped with the hand not resting on her cane. They stayed that way until all the forms were completed and we were able to make our slow but steady way back to the car with huge sighs of relief.

Earlier I had felt to mourn their loss, but after spending the morning with them, my perspective had changed. Nothing of great importance had been lost. They still had each other and the love a lifetime of relationships can bring. They look forward to having the same breakfast they always have without even remembering that it's the same breakfast they always have! Focusing on the present, every day is a new day for them. No loss, just lucky indeed!

The Worker's Seal

The Worker's Seal 

We know very little about the Savior's pre-ministry career other than that he was referred to as a carpenter and a carpenter's son. Calloused hands he most assuredly had.
Recently at the airport, while watching my nephew return home from his mission, I was struck by how absolutely worn out and worn through his shoes were as he stepped off the plane.
The world has need of willing men (women and youth) who wear the 'worker's seal' (Hymn #252, Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel). What is the worker's seal? Is it calloused hands, worn out shoes or could it be the tired expression found on a mother's face from caring for a sick child through the night? The seal can be represented in countless ways. 

Opportunities to demonstrate a willingness to work are all about us. The Farmington Utah North Stake of Zion has an abundance of faithful members with helping hands. Time after time, when needs arise, brethren, sisters, and youth step up and serve. They constantly show their dedication to lift where they stand, sacrificing their time, talents and what they have.
We express our gratitude to you who respond to the invitations to serve people in need, whether here, at home, or throughout the world. Welfare service assignments are truly sanctifying for those who are willing and able. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. taught: "The real long term objective of the Welfare Plan is the building of character in the members of the Church, givers and receivers, rescuing all that is finest down deep inside of them, and bringing to flower and fruitage the latent richness of the spirit, which after all is the mission and purpose and reason for being of this church." (Handbook 2 6.1.2)

President David O. Mckay stated that a primary purpose of the Welfare Plan of the Church is to "increase among the members of the Church the true spirit of the brotherhood of Christ, having in mind in all their service the divine saying, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.'” (Matt. 25:40)

m.deseretnews.com/photo/865623031

During this month of September, many members will be asked to work at the the Kaysville Deseret Mill and Pasta Plant. It will require a significant sacrifice of time and energy to fulfill these assignments. Character and brotherhood will increase as the worker's seal is exemplified by the wonderful saints in our community. Thank you to all those who are able to serve. As you put your shoulder to the wheel and push along rich blessings will follow. 


Michael L. Beus, Farmington Utah North Stake

I'm A Convert to Organized Religion

We didn't live in Simi Valley very long. From beginning to end it was a short three years but, oh how I loved the people I met there. My husband's residency at UCLA Northridge was very time-consuming so my neighbors and congregation members became my family in his absence. We treasured the safety of the cul-de-sac as our children played for hours just outside our doors. My toddler learned to ride a two-wheeler in one afternoon with the help of the gang. Such good times.

One day I took one of my cul-de-sac friends to church. She had shared so much of life's wisdom with me I wanted to share mine with her. The lesson that day was given by a very big woman with a beautiful spirit inside. Her thoughts were so sweetly delivered as she expressed her love for her children and neighbors. I was sure my friend, who shares such similar views, would be warmed by the message. Instead, when we reached the car, she turned to me and said, "I don't know how I feel about your church. I mean, I would never choose to be friends with her."

Simi Valley Chapel

My initial reaction was surprise at the quick judgment she had made about the teacher. Having already observed her endless tolerance for so many differing people, beliefs and lifestyles, it was so unlike her I was speechless for a minute. I had a flood of emotions... from defensiveness to understanding... and everything in-between. What came out was, "Well, thank you for coming with me. I was glad to have you with me and for my friends to meet you."

Mormon's Lend Helping Hand in the Simi Valley Library

I pondered that statement for quite some time and became converted to the power of organized religion. It was true that I would not have sought out many of the friends I had made in church initially, but it was sobering to consider the huge loss I would have felt in my life if I had not met them, especially that sweet teacher. I had already learned to love her for the example she was to me in constant service to others. She was always the first one to sign up to help, doing tasks that others would have avoided. She was rearing her boys without the help of a husband as well and I immediately identified with the sacrifice her service meant. I thought of the organized way the Relief Society and Priesthood care for each other, ensuring all an opportunity to care and be cared for through Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching.

I concluded that my life had been immeasurably blessed by meeting and learning to love all those dear friends in Simi Valley. I have learned from each church member I have ever worked with. As another dear friend used to say, "You can learn just as much from a bad example as a good one," poking fun at herself if I ever complimented her, but she's right. It's true.

I loved my Visiting Teachers in my old ward!

When our stake was divided into ten wards from eight, a wise friend observed, "There aren't many religions that would call a meeting to announce new boundaries and get over a thousand raised hands in total support." That is what happened the day our Stake President announced two new wards being formed... and we were living within new ward boundaries. Having moved here only four years ago, I was just beginning to enjoy the comfort of the familiar families in our present ward. I was more than a little reluctant to leave them, dreading the change. Now that several months have passed in our new building and congregation, I have learned all over again how much our lives can be enriched by new friends and experiences. I am learning to love a LOT of new friends. There is so much potential for growth in change, if we allow it.

Families are God's way of organizing the world! He sends us with a group of people that we can learn the very most from and the love grows from the shared experiences and service to one another.... a good post for another day.

A Season of Gifts

"Christ's life and light have been ever enduring and constant. 

His birth was unique. 

Adoration of Him follows recognition of who He is.

Kind acts will be the conduit for the gift of His love."

You Never Know

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n-DOKBffuU

Click here to watch "You Never Know"

 My days were full of forgettable things.

--Neil Marriott, General Women's Mtg, Sept 2014

I loved the opening session of General Conference this year, the General Women's Meeting! The video Mormon Message called "You Never Know" was on my mind as I had watched it that day and read the comments underneath, some so critically picking it apart and focusing on the scripted events and responses chosen. Many seemed to completely miss the point … in fact they didn't even address the very TITLE of it and archly observed they should have done it differently…

Well, I totally recognized myself in ninety percent of the film! (Beautifully orchestrated by my dear friend Robert Elliott.) In fact, I felt like I was watching MY days with a busy husband, six involved children, aging nearby grandparents, all while performing church and community service to the best of my ability. "How on earth did I get through it?" were my thoughts as watched the video.

I discussed my feelings with my now grown daughter, not a mother yet but sincerely able to grasp my thoughts. Me: "You know I really related to how Neil Marriott said, 'My days were full of forgettable things as I folded laundry, drove carpool, and made casseroles.' It's all just a big blur now. A lot of things were pure drudgery, forgettable and unimportant, but service none the less…."

My daughter was silent for a minute and then said, "Well, everything you did was important to me!"

And in that sentence she succinctly summed up the whole point of the whole video. You never know…

God Will Lift Us Up

Last week a dear friend massaged my aching foot… for a long time. 

My heel had been aching for a long time and she massaged it for a long time. 

So selfless… so Christ-like. 

It was ESPECIALLY Christ-like because 

she KNEW exactly where it hurt and 

what would help make it feel better having suffered from the same affliction.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/91267387@N07/8286976875

 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind...he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people… that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. 

- Alma 7:11-12

Robert D. Hales:

 I have often pondered… Why is it that the Son of God, and His holy prophets 

and all the faithful Saints will have trials and tribulations?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPP9mRL1rc

Brittany suffers from a difficult illness 

and yet because of that suffering, 

she has been driven to help others who are suffering. 

Sweet sweet video.

Click here to watch "God Will Lift Us Up

At 3:30 the mother's words especially touch me. "I wish it could have been me that suffered." 

Do we not all want to take upon us our children's suffering?
Does that make parenting one of the easiest ways to learn Christlike attributes?
Or hardest?

Henry B. Eyring captures my predicament in an excellent talk in April 2009 on Adversity. 

"There is yet another trial which, when endured well, can bring blessings in this life and blessings forever. Age and illness can test the best of us."

To read click here: Adversity by Henry B. Eyring, Apr 2009

Aging and illness…. my hope and dread as I live each day. 

I bear testimony that Christ does know how to succor us. 

I bear testimony that God WILL lift us up when we need it. 

I have had it happen repeatedly and I know it to be true.